Agriculture is an art that integrates knowledge of nature with human needs and values. It continues to evolve with the advancement of scientific technology. Nowadays, the highly industrialized modern agriculture has greatly increased food production to support an ever-growing global population. Yet it also brings forth many global ethical concerns regarding sustainability, food safety, biotechnology, pollution, etc. In the past decades, increasing attention has been given to permaculture, an alternative agricultural practice that emphasizes development of durable and self-sufficient ecosystems in farming. Permaculture is not only a practice of sustainable food production; it is also a philosophy of living in harmony with nature.

In this course, students will gain understanding not only through lectures on the basics of modern agriculture and ethical issues arising from its practice, but also through practical experience of permaculture on a six-day study trip to Australia, the birthplace of permaculture. Through experiential learning, it is hoped that students who finish this course will be able to describe and compare major principles and practices of modern agriculture and those of permaculture, analyze the ethical issues related to modern agriculture in contemporary societies, and formulate personal views on how to live with nature.

The Office of University General Education will cover all the basic costs of the study tour, including tuition, meals and accommodation. Students are responsible for arranging the air travels between Hong Kong and Australia, and any other personal items that will be needed during the trip (e.g. sleeping bags).